Containers Formed as Apparel

ABSTRACT

In implementations of containers formed as apparel, an apparel item includes a loop structure that encompasses an appendage when worn by a user, where the loop structure is formed with individual containers coupled end-to-end. The apparel item includes a fastening apparatus to secure the loop structure around the appendage of the user. An ingestible can be contained in at least one of the individual containers that form the loop structure of the apparel item, and the individual containers are independently accessible to obtain the ingestible for the user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/085,836 filed Mar. 30, 2016 entitled “MedicalCondition Recovery Apparel,” the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. The U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/085,836 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 62/143,933 filed Apr. 7, 2015 entitled “Medical Jewelry Device,” thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Blood sugar is also known as glucose, and without enough glucose, thehuman body cannot perform its normal functions. If the glucose level inone's body reaches an extreme low, a hypoglycemic episode may occur andimmediate treatment is needed. A hypoglycemic episode, also referred toas an insulin reaction, is a diabetic condition that can occur whenone's blood glucose is lower than normal. This is a common effect ofdiabetes, which afflicts millions of people, and such reactions canbecome part of a diabetic's life. Low blood sugar can occur in diabeticswho take medicines that decrease insulin levels, and taking too muchmedication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising morethan usual can lead to low blood sugar.

A hypoglycemic episode can be treated by the diabetic person consuming acarbohydrate-rich food, such as a glucose tablet or juice. Conventionalmedical alert necklaces and bracelets are good for alerting personneland medical first responders of a medical condition, but generally,nothing is available for the immediate treatment of a person having adiabetic crisis. Once a diabetic person becomes unresponsive, friendsand family may not have any treatment at hand to help the person, andseldom have glucose that can be easily located and administered tocounter the hypoglycemic episode. Medical first responders are usuallyequipped with glucose gel that can be administered by rubbing it betweenthe tongue and gums of an unconscious person. However, waiting for amedical response takes time and the longer a person is in a hypoglycemicstate, the more devastating the crisis can become.

Diabetics may choose to restrict their physical activities or limittheir career choices for fear of such low blood sugar episodes. Athletessuch as runners, football and basketball players, and those in physicalcareers, such as firefighters, police officers, construction workers,trainers, and even drivers are just a few occupations that can berestrictive to a person living with diabetes. Even diabetic students canbe disadvantaged during academic tests because when their blood sugardrops, they are not at full mental capacity. With some of the physicalactivities and career choices, a person can carry glucose to haveavailable when one's blood sugar levels drop, however diabetic athletesgenerally have a difficult time carrying glucose, particularly whenwearing only athletic apparel.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces features and concepts of medical conditionrecovery apparel, which is further described below in the DetailedDescription and/or shown in the Figures. This Summary should not beconsidered to describe essential features of the claimed subject matter,nor used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Medical condition recovery apparel is described. In embodiments, anapparel item includes a loop structure that encompasses an appendagewhen worn by a user, and the apparel item includes a fasteningapparatus, such as a magnetic fastener, to secure the loop structurearound the appendage of the user. For example, the loop structure may bea necklace loop worn around the neck of the user, or may be a braceletloop or an anklet loop worn around a wrist or ankle of the user. Theloop structure can be hollow and include a void space in which a medicaltreatment is contained and accessible to the user.

The medical treatment can be contained in the void space of the loopstructure of the apparel item, and a containment seal is removable fromthe loop structure providing access to the medical treatment containedin the loop structure. In implementations, the containment seal is aremovable plug that seals the void space of the loop structure and canbe pulled out for access to the medical treatment contained in the voidspace of the loop structure. Alternatively or in addition, thecontainment seal is a breakable seal that seals the void space of theloop structure and can be broken for access to the medical treatmentcontained in the void space of the loop structure. Further, the loopstructure may be implemented as multiple containers of the medicaltreatment in discrete doses, where the multiple containers are coupledend-to-end to form the loop structure, and each of the multiplecontainers are independently accessible to obtain a discrete dose of themedical treatment for the user.

In other aspects, an apparel item for medical condition recoveryincludes a necklace loop that can be worn by a user, where the necklaceloop includes a void space in which a medical treatment is contained andaccessible to the user. The apparel item includes a glucose dose fortreating a diabetic condition, and the glucose dose is contained as themedical treatment in the loop structure of the apparel item. A removableplug can be used to seal the void space of the necklace loop, and theremovable plug pulls out for access to the glucose dose contained in thevoid space of the necklace loop. Alternatively or in addition, abreakable seal can be used to seal the void space of the necklace loop,and the breakable seal breaks for access to the glucose dose containedin the void space of the necklace loop. The apparel item includes amagnetic fastener that secures the necklace loop when worn by the user,and the magnetic fastener separates the ends of the necklace loop forremoval from the user. The apparel item can also include a medical alertwith an insignia to identity the user as having a diabetic condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of medical condition recovery apparel are described withreference to the following Figures. The same numbers may be usedthroughout to reference like features and components that are shown inthe Figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an apparel item in which embodiments ofmedical condition recovery apparel can be implemented.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the example of the apparel item in whichembodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an apparel item in whichembodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented.

FIG. 4 illustrates example method(s) of medical condition recoveryapparel in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example medical necklace in which embodiments ofmedical condition recovery apparel can be implemented.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example medical necklace in which embodimentsof medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented.

FIG. 7 illustrates additional example configurations of apparel items inwhich embodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of medical condition recovery apparel are described, and canbe implemented to provide a user with an apparel item that contains amedical treatment, such as a medical jewelry device that contains aglucose dose for medical recovery from a diabetic condition, such as ahypoglycemic episode. In embodiments, an apparel item, such as anecklace, bracelet, or anklet stores measured or metered doses ofglucose as well as serves to identify that a person wearing the apparelitem is a diabetic. The medical condition recovery apparel (e.g.,medical jewelry) provides a solution to a life threatening problem thatevery diabetic may face without much warning. An apparel item thatcontains a medical treatment will provide a diabetic person with quickaccess to necessary glucose, in any environment, and is amedical/diabetic alert for anyone assisting an individual who may not beable to help themselves.

In implementations, an apparel item includes a loop structure and afastening apparatus, such as a magnetic fastener, to secure the loopstructure around the neck, wrist, or ankle of a user. The loop structureof the apparel item can be hollow and include a void space in which amedical treatment, such as glucose gel, is contained and accessible tothe user. The medical treatment can be contained in the void space ofthe loop structure of the apparel item, and a containment seal isremovable from the loop structure providing access to the medicaltreatment contained in the loop structure. The containment seal can be aremovable plug that seals the void space of the loop structure and canbe pulled out for access to the medical treatment contained in the voidspace of the loop structure. Alternatively or in addition, thecontainment seal is a breakable seal that seals the void space of theloop structure and can be broken for access to the medical treatmentcontained in the void space of the loop structure. Further, the loopstructure may be implemented as multiple containers of the medicaltreatment in discrete doses, where the multiple containers are coupledend-to-end to form the loop structure, and each of the multiplecontainers are independently accessible to obtain a discrete dose of themedical treatment for the user.

While features and concepts of medical condition recovery apparel can beimplemented in any number of different items, environments, and/orconfigurations, embodiments of medical condition recovery apparel aredescribed in the context of the following example apparel items andmethods.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example 100 of an apparel item 102 in whichembodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented. Inthis example, the apparel item 102 is a necklace that can be worn aroundthe neck of a user. Although the apparel item 102 is generally shown anddescribed herein as a necklace, a similar apparel item may beimplemented as a bracelet that can be worn around a wrist of a user, orimplemented as an anklet that can be worn around an ankle of the user.The apparel item 102 includes a loop structure 104 that is designed toencompass an appendage when worn by a user, such as when the apparelitem is worn as a necklace, bracelet, or anklet. In implementations, theloop structure may incorporate any type of tubing, wire, band, chain, orother type of jewelry or apparel structure. The apparel item 102 mayinclude a medical alert 106 to identity the person wearing the apparelitem as having a medical condition. For example, the medical alert 106may be a pendant that includes an insignia to identity the person ashaving a diabetic condition, or any other type of medical condition.

Additionally, the apparel item 102 includes a fastening apparatus 108 tosecure the loop structure 104 around an appendage of the user. Forexample, the fastening apparatus 108 can be implemented as a magneticfastener designed to couple a first end 110 of the loop structure 104 toa second end 112 of the loop structure, securing the loop structurearound the neck, ankle, or wrist when worn by the user. The magneticfastener is also designed to pull apart and separate the ends of theloop structure 104 for removal from the user. In implementations, themagnetic fastener may be easier for a person having a hypoglycemicepisode to remove by simply pulling the ends of the necklace loop apart,thus releasing the fastening apparatus. Although generally shown anddescribed as a magnetic fastener, the fastening apparatus 108 may beimplemented as one of many other types of fasteners commonly used forjewelry and apparel. Further, the fastening apparatus 108 (or other typeof fastener) may include an adjustable section 114 (e.g., a box chainadjustable necklace) so that the apparel item 102 can be adjusted to fitany person (e.g., large, small, adult, child, etc.).

FIG. 2 further illustrates the apparel item 102 (as shown in FIG. 1) inan example 200 with the loop structure 104 of the apparel itemdisconnected by the fastening apparatus 108 at the ends of the loopstructure. In this example 200, the loop structure 104 of the apparelitem 102 is shown as a flexible, hollow tubing that may be transparent,semi-transparent, or solid-colored and having a void space 202 in whicha medical treatment 204 can be contained. In implementations, the loopstructure 104 may be constructed with a soft durometer polypropylenethat is flexible and comfortable for a person to wear as a necklace,bracelet, anklet, and the like. Alternatively, the loop structure 104may be constructed with a harder or more durable tubing or otherstructure in the interest of minimizing damage, maintaining theintegrity of the loop structure, for waterproofing, and/or for any otherdesign and wear consideration.

In implementations, the medical treatment 204 may be a glucose dose fortreating a diabetic condition if the user is a diabetic and susceptibleto having a hypoglycemic episode. In implementations, the void space 202of the loop structure 104 contains the glucose dose that is accessibleto the user. The apparel item 102 may also be used for many other typesof medical treatments in the form of powders, liquids, gels, lotions,tablets, beads, and the like, to include both ingestible (internalmedical treatments) and applications (external medical treatments). Itshould be noted that the medical treatment 204 may be for less emergentconditions that are not often thought of as a “medical emergency”. Forexample, as noted above, the medical treatment 204 may be suntan lotionthat anyone, and in particular someone with a skin sensitivity to directsunlight, may want to have readily available in an apparel item.Further, the medical treatment 204 may be an energy boost in any solid,gel, or liquid form, such as to counteract feelings of dizziness,dehydration, and any other types of conditions that may not bemedically-emergent, yet could lead to a medical episode. In specificimplementations for particular types of medical treatments in properdoses, the length of the loop structure 104 and/or the diameter of thevoid space in the loop structure can be adjusted accordingly toaccommodate a dose of the medical treatment, or for multiple doses ofthe medical treatment.

This example 200 also illustrates the apparel item 102 having some formof a containment seal designed for removal from the loop structure 104,providing access to the medical treatment 204 that is contained in theloop structure. For example, the containment seal can be implemented asa removable and/or replaceable plug 206 that seals the void space 202 ofthe loop structure, and the removable plug can be pulled out for accessto the medical treatment. Alternatively or in addition, the containmentseal may be implemented as a breakable seal 208 that seals the voidspace 202 of the loop structure, and the breakable seal can be broken,such as by biting down on the seal, for access to the medical treatment204 contained in the void space of the loop structure. In otherimplementations, portions of the loop structure 104 may screw or twistapart, or generally come apart in any number of designs so that a usercan gain access to the medical treatment for medical condition recovery.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example 300 of an apparel item 302 in whichembodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented. Inthis example, the apparel item 302 is similar to the apparel item 102that is shown and described with reference to FIG. 1, such as a necklacethat can be worn around the neck of a user. The apparel item 302includes a loop structure 304 implemented as multiple containers 306 ofthe medical treatment 204 in discrete doses, where the multiplecontainers 306 are coupled end-to-end to form the loop structure 304,and each of the multiple containers is independently accessible toobtain a discrete dose of the medical treatment for the user. In thisinstance, the loop structure is formed from three of the containers, andthe containers are coupled by connectors. For example, a first container308 is coupled by a connector 310 to a second container 312, which isalso coupled by a connector 314 to a third container 316. One exampleimplementation of the connectors is shown at 318.

Although the apparel item 302 in this example 300 is shown and describedas being formed from three of the multiple containers 306, the loopstructure of an apparel item can be formed with any number of containersin any size and shape. Further, the multiple containers that form theloop structure of an apparel item need not all be the same size orlength, as shown in this example 300. Alternatively, the multiplecontainers may be different sizes and shapes to accommodate varyinglevels, doses, and consistencies of the medical treatment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 of medical condition recoveryapparel, and is generally described with reference to implementing anapparel item for medical condition recovery. The order in which themethod is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, andany number or combination of the method operations can be performed inany order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At 402, a loop structure is formed that encompasses an appendage whenworn by a user. For example, the apparel item 102 (FIG. 1) is formed asthe loop structure 104 that can encompass an appendage when worn by auser as a necklace, bracelet, or anklet. Further, the apparel item 102includes the fastening apparatus 108 that secures the loop structure 104around the appendage when worn by the user. The loop structure 104 canbe formed to include the void space 202 in which the medical treatment204 is contained and accessible to the user. Further, the loop structure304 (FIG. 3) can be formed as multiple containers 306 of the medicaltreatment 204 (FIG. 2) in discrete doses, where each of the multiplecontainers is independently accessible to obtain a discrete dose of themedical treatment for the user.

At 404, the medical treatment is incorporated in the loop structure ofthe apparel item. For example, the apparel item 102 includes the medicaltreatment 204 incorporated in the loop structure 104 of the apparelitem. Similarly, the apparel item 302 includes the medical treatment 204incorporated in the loop structure 304 of the apparel item.

At 406, the medical treatment is sealed in the loop structure with acontainment seal that is removable from the loop structure providingaccess to the medical treatment. For example, the medical treatment 204in the apparel item 102 is sealed in the void space 202 of the loopstructure 104 with a containment seal that is removable from the loopstructure providing access to the medical treatment. The medicaltreatment 204 can be sealed in the loop structure 104 with the removableplug 206 that pulls out for access to the medical treatment contained inthe void space of the loop structure. Alternatively or in addition, themedical treatment 204 can be sealed in the void space 202 of the loopstructure 104 with the breakable seal 208 that breaks for access to themedical treatment contained in the void space of the loop structure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example medical necklace 500 that has a necklaceband 502 as a wire, string, or chain (the “necklace loop”) for wearingaround the neck of a user. In implementations, the medical necklace 500can vary in length, for the very young to the elderly, depending on necksize. The necklace band 502 may be continuous or have a connector, suchas a magnetic clasp 504. The medical necklace 500 includes two unitedend tubes 506 filled with a glucose dose, and tube caps 508. Inimplementations, the medical necklace 500 bears an insignia 510 mountedbetween the two end tubes 506 indicating that the wearer of the medicalnecklace is a diabetic. In implementations, the insignia 510 can includemore details, such as information on the type of diabetes, phone number,address, amount of dose of glucose to administer, and so forth.

FIG. 6 illustrates another implementation of an example medical necklace600 that includes a necklace band 602 as a wire, string, or chain, andan optional connector, such as a magnetic clasp 604. A series of glucosetubes 606 are connected end-to-end to form part of the necklace loop. Inimplementations, the glucose tubes 606 make up part of the necklace band602, which ends at the first connected glucose tube 606. In otherimplementations, the glucose tubes 606 are connected in series to thenecklace band 602, which provides support for each glucose tube 606.Each glucose tube 606 has a cap 608, which may also serve as connectorwith the next adjacent glucose tube 606 and/or with the necklace band602 or loop. An insignia centrally located among the glucose tubes 606indicates that the wearer of the medical necklace is a diabetic.

Each of the example medical necklaces 500, 600 provide a diabetic personwith quick access to necessary glucose, in any environment. The examplemedical necklaces 500, 600 also provide a medical/diabetic alert foranyone assisting individuals who are not able to help themselves.Medical first responders are trained to look for these necklace andbracelet insignias. Further, the example medical necklaces 500, 600provide a dose of glucose gel, which is with the diabetic person at alltimes, and can be administered by the person themselves, or by anotherperson, without having to search for the glucose gel and without havingto wait for responding medical services. This can help to eliminate thepotential of serious complications or possible death of the diabeticperson when the glucose gel in the medical necklace can be directlyadministered to the mouth of the diabetic person by simply squeezing apart of the necklace that contains the gel.

FIG. 7 illustrates additional example configurations 700 of apparelitems, such as medical necklaces, bracelets, and/or anklets in whichembodiments of medical condition recovery apparel can be implemented asdescribed herein. An example apparel item 702 includes features of aglucose necklace with plastic tubing and a clasp. A user can access adose of glucose gel (e.g., medical treatment) stored in the plastictubing of the glucose necklace by breaking or tearing a perforation ofthe tubing. An example apparel item 704 includes features of a glucosenecklace with plastic tubing and a magnetic clasp. A user can access adose of glucose gel stored in the plastic tubing of the glucose necklaceby breaking or biting down on a one-way valve that releases the glucosegel. An example apparel item 706 includes features of a glucose necklacewith plastic tubing and a magnetic clasp. A user can access a dose ofglucose gel stored in the plastic tubing of the glucose necklace bybreaking or twisting a seal of the tubing. An apparel item that containsa medical treatment, such as glucose, will allow a diabetic person tolive without the fear of being in a helpless situation when blood sugarbecomes low. Additionally, simply going for a run or being more activein all sports or life in general will be less frightening. Further, astudent whose blood sugar dropped just before a test can be taken careof immediately so that he or she is not at a disadvantage.

Although embodiments of medical condition recovery apparel have beendescribed in language specific to features and/or methods, the appendedclaims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methodsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed asexample implementations of medical condition recovery apparel, and otherequivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope ofthe appended claims. Further, various different embodiments aredescribed and it is to be appreciated that each described embodiment canbe implemented independently or in connection with one or more otherdescribed embodiments.

1. An apparel item, comprising: a loop structure configured to encompass an appendage when worn by a user, the loop structure formed with individual containers coupled end-to-end; a fastening apparatus configured to secure the loop structure around the appendage of the user; and an ingestible contained in at least one of the individual containers that form the loop structure of the apparel item, the individual containers each being independently accessible to obtain the ingestible for the user.
 2. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein the individual containers of the loop structure are hollow and the individual containers each include a void space in which the ingestible is contained and accessible to the user.
 3. The apparel item as recited in claim 2, wherein: the ingestible is glucose doses for treating a diabetic condition; and the void space of the at least one individual container of the loop structure contains a glucose dose that is accessible to the user.
 4. The apparel item as recited in claim 2, wherein the individual containers of the loop structure are coupled end-to-end by connectors that each seal the void space of an individual container and disconnect for access to the ingestible contained in the void space of the at least one individual container.
 5. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein: the ingestible is a medical treatment; and the individual containers of the loop structure each include a void space in which the medical treatment is contained and accessible to the user.
 6. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein the ingestible is a food product; and the individual containers of the loop structure each include a void space in which the food product is contained and accessible to the user.
 7. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein the loop structure is a necklace loop configured to be worn around a neck of the user.
 8. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein the loop structure is one of a bracelet loop or an anklet loop configured to be worn around a respective wrist or ankle of the user.
 9. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, further comprising a medical alert configured to identity the user as having a medical condition.
 10. The apparel item as recited in claim 1, wherein the loop structure comprises multiple containers of the medical treatment in discrete doses, the multiple containers coupled end-to-end to form the loop structure, and each of the multiple containers being independently accessible to obtain a discrete dose of the medical treatment for the user.
 11. A method of implementing an apparel item, the method comprising: forming a loop structure that encompasses an appendage when worn by a user, the loop structure formed with individual containers coupled end-to-end, the apparel item including a fastening apparatus that secures the loop structure around the appendage; incorporating an ingestible in at least one of the individual containers that form the loop structure of the apparel item, the individual containers each being independently accessible to obtain the ingestible for the user; and sealing the ingestible in the individual containers that form the loop structure, the at least one individual container being sealed with a containment seal that is removable from the individual container of the loop structure providing access to the ingestible contained in the individual container.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein said forming the loop structure with the individual containers that each include a void space in which the ingestible is contained and accessible to the user.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the individual containers of the loop structure are coupled end-to-end by connectors that each disconnect for access to the ingestible contained in the void space of the at least one individual container.
 14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein: the ingestible is glucose doses for treating a diabetic condition; and the void space of the at least one individual container of the loop structure contains a glucose dose that is accessible to the user.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein: the ingestible is a medical treatment; and the void space of the at least one individual container of the loop structure contains the medical treatment that is accessible to the user.
 16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the loop structure is a necklace loop configured to be worn around a neck of the user.
 17. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the loop structure is one of a bracelet loop or an anklet loop configured to be worn around a respective wrist or ankle of the user.
 18. An apparel item, comprising: a necklace loop configured to be worn by a user, the necklace loop formed with individual containers coupled end-to-end, the individual containers of the necklace loop each including a void space in which an ingestible is contained and accessible to the user; and a glucose dose for treating a diabetic condition, the glucose dose contained as the ingestible in at least one of the individual containers of the necklace loop of the apparel item, the individual containers each being independently accessible to obtain the ingestible for the user.
 19. The apparel item as recited in claim 18, further comprising: connectors that couple the individual containers end-to-end, each connector configured to seal the void space of an individual container in the necklace loop, and disconnect for access to the glucose dose contained in the void space of the at least one individual container.
 20. The apparel item as recited in claim 18, further comprising: a medical alert with an insignia configured to identity the user as having a diabetic condition. 